This Oven-Fried Chicken has all the crispiness of traditional fried chicken but is made healthier by baking it in the oven. It’s juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and loaded with flavor. A perfect dinner option when you’re craving comfort food without the mess of deep frying!
📋 Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 🍗
- 4 chicken drumsticks 🍗
- 1 cup buttermilk 🥛
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 cup breadcrumbs 🌾
- 1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- 1 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) 🌶️
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter 🧈
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours for extra flavor.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray the rack with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Prepare the Breading:
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bread the Chicken:
- Coat the chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing it down to adhere well. Shake off any excess.
- Place on the rack:
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack. Drizzle or brush each piece with olive oil or melted butter to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
5. Bake the Chicken:
- Bake:
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Turn the chicken halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness.
6. Serve:
- Cool and serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
🍽️ Tips:
- Extra crunch: For even more crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Add herbs: Mix in some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breading mixture for additional flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
⏱️ Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4
🔥 Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Enjoy this Oven-Fried Chicken as a healthier, yet equally delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken! It’s sure to become a family favorite. 🍗🌿🥳